Book

Lentils and Potatoes with Curry

I was flipping through some cookbooks this afternoon...as I'm wont to do...searching for something I could make with ingredients that I already had in house. Do you do that? I go with something I have, say chickpeas or green beans or tofu...and then hit the indices of a big stack of books. Comparing items I have...or could adapt...or draw inspiration from. Sometimes completely striking out...other times hitting pay dirt. I was searching lentils this particular day (yesterday)...looking for something to eat for dinner that would have enough leftovers for me to pack into my lunchbox for our trip up to meet my mom tomorrow (today by now). I found a dish that caught my fancy...for which I also had all the components in the pantry or fridge...and this comforting, belly-filling, heat-creeping dish was on the stove in minutes flat. Don't ask me how many minutes...just minutes. Minutes flat. I guess it sounds strange to leave out the actual number if you're using that phrase. So, we'll say... I had it on the stove in 4 minutes flat!

Combine the lentils, liquid, and curry powder in a medium saucepan and bring to boil over med-high heat. Turn heat down to med-low, so it bubbles gently, then partially cover and cook ~15 mins., until lentils start to absorb liquid a bit.

Add potatoes and cover pan completely. Cook, undisturbed, for 10 mins. or so, then stir gently. If lentils seem too dry, add a bit more liquid. Add some salt as the lentils become tender.

Cover and continue to cook until lentils are soft and beginning to turn to mush and potatoes are tender at center, 5-10 mins. Add liquid if necessary...should be moist, but not soupy. Add lots of black pepper, then stir, taste, and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve garnished w/ yogurt & cilantro.

...and yes, there was enough left over to pack into my lunch box for the roadtrip today that I'm currently on and I'm betting it's tasting even better after sitting a night. Flavors having time to get to know each other and co-habitate and all. The theme this week at IHCC isLunchBox...like the way I worked that in? Ha! It's the honest to goodness truth, though...I'm probably stuffing my face as you read this...

I always look for recipes, either based on what I have in the house, or things that I can cheaply buy. I just found an inexpensive recipe for lentils I'm really excited about, as I've never had them. But I love beans. This looks delicious!

Your car must be filled with curry goodness by now. This recipe actually reminded me of my good friend in FL. She cooked a similar dish for us every time she invited us over, and she served it with nan. I like it tho that you put the yogurt over it,I always had it on the side..

All my favourites too. What a great combination and what a yummy lunchbox! Thanks for linking this to Cookbook Sundays Heather. Sorry I got it up so late today, I overslept, something I rarely do. Have a fun day with your Mom!

I love it Heather! This was actually one of the first dishes that I made when we changed over to Mark Bittman and it was probably my favorite. I loved how comforting and filling it was. Total satisfaction:)

I definitely do this on occasion, especially when I have random ingredients that I need to use up! Bittman is the best for times like those since his recipes are so simple. What a great dish! I love me some lentils.

I had to laugh when you asked about basing our meals on what we have,hanging around, and then searching for that particular food or foods. I do it, all the time. How would we eat?

I actually shop that way. I get certain veggies and figure I will come up with something. So, acorn squash, butternut squash, eggplant, zucchini, English cuke, tomatoes when not in season, onions, etc. go into the basket and since we have cut back on meat, they make up the main course. I find it a challenge and fun.

Now for your recipe. This will be soothing and warming, in the winter. It sounds like a great combination.

Okay that's it I am making this for my dinner tonight. I was planning on taking some ravioli out of the freezer for myself, while I gave my partner some leftover pork chops, but as I have everything on hand for this it sounds just perfect. Thanks for the inspiration.Sue

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